During NBC’s postgame coverage of the Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots opener, a clip circulated showing Tomlin making his Week 1 prediction for Pittsburgh’s clash with the Atlanta Falcons. Tomlin referenced the quarterback matchup on the other side, highlighting Tua Tagovailoa’s previous trip to Pittsburgh. He noted that Tagovailoa’s last visit did not go well—he was benched after a loss and a subpar performance in the stadium—and expressed optimism that it would be a favorable day for Mike McCarthy, Patrick Graham, the Steelers, and their organization.
Tomlin’s pick carries weight beyond a typical broadcast projection, given his past direct involvement with Tagovailoa. In a game at Acrisure Stadium last December, Pittsburgh defeated Miami 28-15. Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, but the game told only part of the story. The Steelers led 28-3 with 13:01 remaining, and Miami totaled just 93 yards through three quarters. Pittsburgh recorded four sacks of Tagovailoa before Miami found two late touchdowns.
Following that 2023 meeting, Tagovailoa remained with the Dolphins for the season before Miami benched him two days later, turning to rookie Quinn Ewers for the final three games. The sequence contributed to broader changes that eventually brought Tagovailoa to the Falcons this season.
This year, Tagovailoa returns to Pittsburgh as Atlanta’s Week 1 starter after Michael Penix Jr. was sidelined by a torn ACL, preventing Penix from being fully ready for the opener. Tagovailoa called earning the Falcons’ QB1 role “a blessing,” adding that he wants to prove he can still play at an elite level.
Atlanta has entrusted Tagovailoa to start under a new defensive context, with Patrick Graham replacing longtime coordinator Teryl Austin. Regardless of scheme, Tagovailoa faces a defense with familiarity but a new leadership dynamic in Week 1. NBC Sports’ Mike Florio has suggested Tagovailoa could be on a short leash, noting there’s discussion about potentially benching him if he struggles—paralleling the Dolphins’ earlier decision-making.
If Week 1 unfolds similarly to last year’s results, Tomlin will watch from a television studio rather than from Pittsburgh’s sideline. He’ll be evaluating the matchup from afar, while the Steelers aim to assert their new era with McCarthy at the helm.
